as not allowed to
come on board, she was obliged to go on shore, to which she was rowed
in a small boat.

"I have been thinking," said the Absolute Fool, "that it is perfectly
ridiculous, and very uncomfortable, to continue this search any
longer. I would go back, but my master would not suffer me to return
without knowing where you are going. I have, therefore, a plan to
propose. Give up your useless search for this Prince, who is probably
not nearly so handsome and intellectual as I am, and marry me. We
will then return, and I will assume the reins of government in your
domain."

"Follow the vessel," said the Princess, "as you have been doing; for
I wish some one to take care of my horse." And without another word,
she returned to the ship.

"I should like to sail as far as possible from shore during the rest
of the trip," said she to the Captain.

"Put the helm bias!" shouted the Amazon Captain to the steers-woman;
"and keep him well out from land."

When they had sailed through a small stream into the lake adjoining,
the out-look, who was swinging in a hammock hung between the tops of
the two masts, sang out, "Prince ahead!" Instantly all was activity
on board the vessel. Story books were tucked under coils of rope,
hem-stitching and embroidery were laid aside, and every woman was at
her post.

"The Princess is taking a nap," said the Captain, "and we will not
awaken her. It will be so nice to surprise her by bringing the Prince
to her. We will run our vessel ashore, and then steal quietly upon
him. But do not let him get away. Cut him down, if he resists!"

The Prince, who was plainly visible only a short distance ahead, was
so pleasantly employed that he had not noticed the approach of the
ship. He was sitting upon a low, moss-covered rock, close to the
water's edge; and with a small hand-net, which he had found on the
shore, he was scooping the most beautiful fishes from the lake,
holding them up in the sunlight to admire their brilliant colors and
graceful forms, and then returning them uninjured to the water. The
Water Sprite was swimming near him, and calling to the fish to come
up and be caught; for the gentle Prince would not hurt them. It was
very delightful and rare sport, and it is not surprising that it
entirely engrossed the attention of the Prince. The Amazons silently
landed, and softly stole along the shore, a little back from the
water. Then, at their Captain's command, they rushed upon th